Motivation Mondays: Random Acts of Kindness

“I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” Attributed to William Penn

Motivation Mondays: Random Acts of Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness Day: Even though Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) day began in 2004 in New Zealand, the impetus for this global event began with Will Glennon. In 1995, he developed the idea for the group in Denver, Colorado, and founded the nonprofit Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Since that fortuitous start, it has become a globally recognized day of celebration. In 2026, Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on February 17, inviting people everywhere to spread kindness through simple, unexpected gestures.
Each year, the organizers provide us with themes and ideas to guide our individual and collective efforts at performing RAK. This year, the Key Themes & Ideas for 2026 are “Love Out Loud!” which encourages expressing kindness openly.
“Kindness Starts Here”: This focuses on small, local actions making a big difference. And “Ripple Effect/Kindness Tsunami”: The magic effect of one act leading to many others.
Why we do what we do: When asked why Random Acts of Kindness matters as an effort we can all join in, the Foundation offered the following seven reasons.
To inspire acts of kindness
To improve mental health and well-being.
To foster community connections.
To provide service opportunities.
To create a ripple effect.
To create a sense of belonging.
To inspire change.

“How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straightaway… And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!” Anne Frank

Motivation Mondays: Random Acts of Kindness

As I gathered my materials for this post, I was reminded of the daily dose of kindness emails I receive from the RAK Foundation. Each email always includes a graphic with a positive message of things I could do to make a daily difference. I have incorporated some of them in my collage, and I encourage you to sign up for daily notices on the website. Save the Children has curated some of them in the tips below, so give it a go. You can read 10 of the many daily positive-vibe tips you will receive.

10 Easy Ways to Participate in Random Acts of Kindness Day 2026:
Compliment a stranger
Donate blood
Visit a senior home and deliver a surprise
Donate anonymously to a charity or nonprofit
Send an encouraging email to a colleague
Take someone to your favorite place
Praise a local business or service provider online
Organize a community cleanup
Write positive messages on sticky notes and leave them for others to find.
Volunteer at a local charity, homeless shelter, animal shelter, or other nonprofit organization.
How Much More Can We  Do to Participate?: Look to organizations such as the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, National Today, and Save the Children for ideas and inspiration.

Continued Below

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” Dalai Lama

Motivation Mondays: Random Acts of Kindness

Save the Children: According to Save the Children, Random Acts of Kindness Day encourages individuals, families, schools, and communities to pause, look outward, and find everyday ways to show care, generosity, and empathy. You can start by using the Save the Children’s Donate link.

6 Ways to Help Others In Your Community
Whether you choose to donate, give your time, or your voice, every small act of kindness can spark big change. Here are simple ways you can make a difference — starting today. Again, here are solid ways to Help Your Community
1. Donate. Save the Children is working around the clock to help children in the U.S. and around the world. Across rural America, we support 300 rural communities across 14 states and advocate for policies that protect and benefit children. Your donation to the Global Action Fund supports our work so that, together, we can make sure every child in rural America and around the world has what they need to flourish.
2. Help your local food pantry. In rural communities across America, 1 in 5 children don’t have enough to eat. Contact your local food pantry to learn how your support can help them provide food items for families in need.
3. Give blood if you’re able. Red Cross and other organizations are in dire need of blood supply and have safe, healthy ways for you to donate.
4. Volunteer your time. Volunteering is a great way to support your community. Volunteering opportunities can range anywhere from organizing food donations or cleaning up the neighborhood to planting a community garden. Save the Children offers volunteer opportunities – learn more about volunteering with us!
5. Check on neighbors and family members, especially those who live alone, are elderly, have health or mobility issues, or are caring for children. Schedule time to remotely connect with these individuals regularly to let them know they are not alone.
6. Support local businesses, schools, and child care centers. Purchase gift cards, volunteer, or donate to programs that help children and families thrive. Through Save the Children’s political advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network, we advocate for policies that support child care and early education. Learn how you can join us to take action.
Here are more Commonly Suggested Acts of Kindness:
Give compliments and heartfelt thanks.
Help a neighbor, classmate, or stranger (e.g., by holding doors or picking up items).
Pay it forward (e.g., cover the cost of coffee).
Share small victories or good news.
Create kindness notes or a kindness jar.
Remember that: “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” Roy T. Bennett. What are your thoughts, and what would you add to all these tips on creating random acts of kindness in your life?

Positive Motivation Tip: The kindness we give becomes a boomerang, spreading to others and bringing back more kindness to us.

Related Posts

• • Motivation 2020: World Kindness Day (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS #mondaymotivation(mirthandmotivation)
  • Precious: The Grace in Small Acts of Kindness… (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Be GRATEFUL (mirthandmotivation)
  • #Happiness: 100 Reasons For #Gratitude(mirthandmotivation)
  • Mentoring: 10 Ways To Make A Difference(mirthandmotivation)
  • Gratitude: Ten Reasons For A Grateful Heart & Blog Awards…(mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation 2020: Heart to Heart (mirthandmotivation)
  • Reflections: Ten Things To Be Grateful For Today…(mirthandmotivation)
  • Reflections: What Are You Most Grateful For…? (mirthandmotivation)
  • Gratitude: Ten Things We Must Not Take For Granted…(mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: GIVING THANKS (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: GIVING(mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: The Power of Storytelling (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: The Golden Rule (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Enjoyment of Life (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: RESPITE (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: For Our Fathers #fathersday (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Down Memory Lane (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: SELF-CARE (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: For Our Mothers #mothersday (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Peace with Our Past(mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: PROTECT OUR EARTH (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Live Your Wild and Precious Life (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: The Seven Selves (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Day of Happiness & Spring #internationaldayofhappiness(mirthandmotivation)
  • MOTIVATION 2020: 33 GRATITUDE TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS! (mirthandmotivation)
  • Musings: In My Mother’s Garden…(mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: LOVE Is… #HappyValentinesDay (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: SELF-CONTROL(mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Power of Gratitude (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Keep It Simple (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: Reflections on a Happy New Year! (mirthandmotivation)
  • Motivation Mondays: BLACK HISTORY MONTH (mirthandmotivation)

   

  PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos – Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, Adobe Stock Free, Kindness friendship via Pixabay, AND/OR  WIKIPEDIA

  Until Next Time …
  Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
  Elizabeth Obih-Frank
  Mirth and Motivation
  Positive Kismet